Exploring the essential components in a mobile application for non-pharmacological management of fibromyalgia: a qualitative study from the perspective of patients and professionals.

Abstract

Background: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by widespread chronic pain, associated with fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment, among others. Effective management of fibromyalgia requires an integrated pharmacological and non-pharmacological approach that involves the patient in self-care. M-health devices are widely used as complementary resources for chronic pain management and patient empowerment. The objective of this study is to define the content of a mobile application, FibroApp, for the non-pharmacological management of fibromyalgia, based on the perspectives of patients and expert professionals.

Methods: FibroApp was developed through a qualitative design, with the unit of analysis being meaningful discourse fragments from interviews with key informants (rheumatologists, physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, psychiatrists, and patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia). Atlas.ti software was used for the analysis and triangulation of literature and qualitative findings.

Results: The content of FibroApp, in consensus with the interviewees-both patients and experts-includes modules on physical activity or exercise, education, cognitive stimulation, reminders, and freely accessible supplementary material. The study highlighted the importance of social support, educational resources, and personalized exercise programs as essential components of the app.

Conclusions: The development of FibroApp underscores the potential of mHealth applications in enhancing the management of fibromyalgia by providing a multifaceted tool that addresses the physical, emotional, and educational needs of patients. The integration of social support, education, physical activity, and relaxation techniques within a mobile application offers a promising approach to improving the quality of life for individuals with fibromyalgia. Further research is needed to evaluate the app's effectiveness in larger, diverse populations.